As fall blows its way in, it isn’t uncommon to hear women start to chatter about their favorite cardigan and other cozy fall-wear they’re excited to break out. The tough part is, being in college tends to significantly deplete shopping funds, so obviously you want to spend your money wisely! Smart shopping follows the same line of logic our parents used on us when we came to college: you’re making an investment. So ladies, if you’re dying to do something new with your closet this season, but don’t want to break the bank, here are some thoughts to keep in mind as you create your own fall and winter style!

If there’s one thing to keep in mind as you’re putting together a cold day’s outfit, it’s this – layers are key. That’s what makes fall and winter fashion so fun – you can just pile it on! But if you are on a budget, here are a few essentials to scope out.

Scarves: Scarves are arguably the easiest way to zest up an outfit on a cold, windy day. If you pick the right color, they can match almost any outfit (think maroon, mustard yellow, and other warm shades for the upcoming months). If you’re looking for good quality and a good deal, check out Old Navy. The thicker and chunkier, the better.

Boots: You can take your pick here. Looking for a shoe that’s comfortable, relatively snow-proof, matches any style you could be going for, and slays with leg-warmers? Combat boots are for you. If you’ve already got those, maybe look into a pair of nude or neutral-colored heeled booties. They’re easy to walk in, and can easily take any decent outfit from an 8 to a 10. They may be a little pricier, but honestly girls, it’s an investment.

Winter Coats: Here’s the thing about winter – half the time, your clothes are covered up by a warm winter coat anyway, so you should make your coat a part of your style statement. Find a winter coat that’s so cute, you can’t wait to put it on – then, if you’re attending an outdoor event, the only thing you really need to decide on is what shoes and accessories you’ll wear (hello, combat boots and scarf!).

Hats: One of the best parts about fall and winter style is that you never have to worry about having a bad hair day if you’ve got a good hat. Look for one that flops just the way you like and has a color that will match what you already have in your closet, and all of a sudden, you’ve got a few more minutes to sleep that would have been wasted with that curler or flat iron!

If you’re looking for a good Christmas gift for someone you love, check out “Love Your Melon.” The hats are adorable, come in loads of different colors, and half the proceeds from buying your hat will go to supporting organizations for children undergoing cancer treatment!

So next time you’re out shopping, love everything in the store and can’t decide what to buy, pick an investment piece. That way, rather than having a closet full of things you liked “enough” to buy from the local thrift store, you’ll have a handful of essential pieces you love, that can turn your clothes from a simple outfit to your own personal style statement!